US dollar retreats in Asia, Europe

The US dollar weakened 1.7 percent to US$1.3524 per euro. It was little changed at ￥99.36. Japan’s currency lost 1.7 percent to ￥134.37 versus the euro, touching the weakest level since November 2009.

The pound also strengthened for a third week against the US dollar, with the sterling climbing to its highest level in eight months as minutes of the Bank of England’s meeting this month showed British officials saw no need for additional stimulus as the economy improves.

The pound advanced 0.9 percent this week to US$1.6022 as of 5:02pm in London on Friday, but dropped 0.8 percent to ￡0.8440 per euro.